Research Symposium

Undergraduate Research Symposium

In 2007, UVa-Wise and Emory & Henry College validated their emphases on student research when they collaborated to found the Undergraduate Research Symposium. A forum for those who are doing independent research, the symposium allows students to present their results to their peers and to the faculty of both institutions in a conference setting. Expounding on their research and results before an engaged audience is an exciting event for undergraduates, and one which encourages them to continue their work. We believe the symposium not only provides students with an experience that will be valuable to them both when applying to and when attending graduate or professional schools, but it also will be a stimulus to other students to involve themselves in research.

Held in the spring, the symposium is sponsored by the two colleges and alternates locales. In the eight years since its inception, it has been remarkably successful. At the first symposium held in Wise, there were 19 papers and 14 posters presented in the humanities and the sciences. In 2012 an arts component was added, with music and fine arts represented. Participation continues to grow, and in 2013 there were 38 presentations and 9 posters.